Award-Winning Hip-Hop Artist Classified Releases Powerful New Single & Video, “People”
Prolific award-winning Canadian rapper Classified has just released his powerful new single “People” today via HalfLife Records and Big Story Entertainment. Written and produced by Classified, “People” is a commentary on the selfishness, divisiveness, and lack of empathy in society, suggesting that humanity is collectively responsible for the problems we face and that everyone needs to come together and unite as one. In the track Classified emphasizes the need to focus on the commonalities among people, rather than dwell on irrelevant differences.
“People was a difficult song to write, but I believe that its message needs to be talked about with the current state of the world,” says Classified. “I see so much separation in society stemming from arguments on race, religion, gender, orientation – and at the same time, so many bigger problems in our world being ignored because we are caught up in these differences. One day, I was just like ‘I’m sick of everybody’ and started writing this song. Even though it might come off as negative, I believe that people who actually pay attention to lyrics will understand that this song actually delivers a POSITIVE message, and I HOPE that it brings people together.”
The video for “People” also premiered today and was shot in Classified’s hometown of Enfield, NS by Brothers Boyd (Classified and his brother Mike Boyd). Like the song, the video is evocative and emotionally resonant and urges for a change in perspective and a greater sense of unity for a better future. Click below to watch the “People” video.
“People” is the first release in a new partnership between Classified’s HalfLife Records and Big Story Entertainment. Based in Toronto, Big Story Entertainment is dedicated to providing a platform for unique voices in the music industry.
“We are thrilled to welcome the legendary hip-hop artist Classified to our family, in this partnership with HalfLife Records” says Big Story Entertainment Co-CEO John Sheridan. “Our entire team is excited to bring his new music to fans over the next several months.”
With an inherent and candid ability to break down the barrier between performer and audience while “leading the vanguard of East Coast hip-hop” (Chronicle Herald), Classified is one of Canada’s most respected and successful rap artists, producers, and songwriters.
To date he has released 18 studio albums and joined forces with some of the world’s most prominent hip-hop artists including Snoop Dogg, Raekwon, Royce da 5’9, DJ Premier, Joe Budden, Brother Ali, Maestro Fresh Wes and many more. His self-titled 2013 release debuted at No. 1 on the Canadian Nielsen Soundscan Chart, has sold over 1 million singles, and is certified 2x Platinum. Additionally, the album boasts two Top 10 singles including the 6x Platinum “Inner Ninja” featuring David Myles and the Platinum certified “3 Foot Tall”.
In 2021, Classified released Retrospected, an acoustic hip hop album covering his greatest hits and fan favourites. Retrospected turned into a 40-date sold-out tour across Canada, a win for Artist Innovator of the Year at the 2023 East Coast Music Awards, and a 2023 JUNO Award nomination for Rap Recording of the Year. Classified also launched his autobiography Off The Beat ‘N Path, which shot to No. 1 on Amazon’s Pop Biographies chart.
As one of the most influential hip-hop artists in Canada with over 250 million streams globally, the multiple JUNO Award winner hosted the 2014 JUNO Awards and has a combined 30 nominations and 10 wins between the MuchMusic Video Awards, JUNO Awards, and East Coast Music Awards.
